TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   6th February 2008   US wholesale prices increase US wholesale prices increased in 2007 as retail sales fell in December, new research has revealed. According to research by the US Commerce Department, retail sales in the country fell by 0.4 per cent in December, while the cost of wholesale goods increased by 6.3 per cent - the largest increase since 1981. The increase in costs for US wholesalers and producers may provide UK wholesalers with an opportunity to make a profit in the short-term by offering goods in bulk overseas. Wholesalers had a mixed year in the US, with prices in December falling by 0.1 per cent, preceded by a 3.2 per cent rise in November - the largest rise in a single month since 1973. Meanwhile, according to the Confederation of British Industry's Regional Trends Survey, international demand for British goods is improving the prospects of domestic manufacturers and wholesalers. Over the Christmas period shoppers using Quidco received £2.7 million in rewards.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .